John Garrett

With his refreshing blend of corporate insight, comedic wit, and people-centric advocacy, John Garrett truly stands at the intersection of professionalism and passion, reshaping the way we perceive organizational culture while championing a new understanding of corporate leadership. Prepare to think differently about your organization’s culture, and the value of the individual within it.

Drawing inspiration from his own experiences and years of research, John explores the ways organizations can prioritize employee well-being, foster open communication, and tap into the hidden talents and diverse interests of their workforce. With humor, anecdotes, and insights, he challenges traditional notions of professionalism, encouraging attendees to embrace their “Ands” – the outside-of-work passions and hobbies that make them human – and to create a work environment where everyone can thrive. His one-of-a-kind keynote invites leaders to consider the power of human connection and personal authenticity in the workplace, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and fulfilling professional culture.

Learning Objectives

1. Gain a deep understanding of the importance of prioritizing employee wellbeing and fostering open communication in organizational culture.
2. Learn strategies and practices to tap into the hidden talents and diverse interests of your workforce, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
3. Challenge traditional notions of professionalism and embrace the power of personal authenticity and human connection in the workplace, ultimately creating a more inclusive and fulfilling professional culture.

No matter where you are in your career, it’s important to differentiate yourself to achieve your goals. The future professional doesn’t define expertise simply in college degrees and certifications. They have passions outside of work that enhance their ability to develop stronger levels of trust with colleagues and clients. Through hilarious stories and extensive research, this keynote encourages everyone to share their passions because they are the very heart of your organization’s culture.

Many people tend to look at accountants and consultants like they look at apples: they’re all the same. They’re all boring, red apples. If you put them all together then you won’t be able to tell one from another. John’s mission is to encourage your team members, and therefore your Firm, to become engaged and to stand out – by giving them permission to have the confidence to be a green apple in the bin of “boring” red apples.

Twelve years after leaving the Firm, John was invited to speak at a PwC Town Hall Meeting. A Partner who he never worked with – and John doesn’t ever recall meeting – saw the list of speakers and said, “I know John Garrett! He’s the guy who did comedy at night.”

Twelve years later.

What are you doing now to develop those relationships so coworkers and clients remember you in twelve years?

Making culture a priority shows that the firm is dedicated to fostering an environment where engagement is the norm. A Psychometrics Engagement Study states that “disengaged employees cost as much as $500B in the US in low productivity.” Adding to the problem, these disengaged employees chase away your best employees and best customers.

While organizations are beginning to understand the importance of employee engagement, according to Gallup, “Engaged employees stand out because they’re relatively rare. Gallup finds only 30% of all U.S. employees are engaged in their jobs.”